Time For The Festivity
The most important festival of western Orissa comprising the districts of
Sambalpur, Bolangir, Sundargarh, Kalahandi
and some areas of Phulbani, is "Nuakhia".
Generally it takes place in the bright half of the month of 'Bhadrab' or
'Bhadra' on an auspicious day fixed by the astrologers. In the ex-State
areas the date is fixed according to the instructions of the ruling
Chiefs.

Main Ritual
The people in general eagerly look forward for the festival and
preparation starts before a fortnight. Most of the houses are cleaned,
neatly plastered and decorated by the housewives. On this occasion old and
young, all wear new clothes.

Though the festival is intended for eating new rice of the year, it is
observed as a general festival. Meeting of friends and relatives, singing,
dancing and merry-making are parts of the festival. On this occasion the
new rice is cooked with milk and sugar ('Kshiri') and then offered as
'Bhog' to Goddess Laxmi. Then the eldest member of the family distributes
the same to other members.